Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Studying at DIS was life-changing Past Review

By (Whittier College) - abroad from 01/17/2005 to 05/20/2005 with

DIS Copenhagen: Semester

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Studying at DIS was definitely a life-changing experience! The effects of my time at DIS have been long lasting. I would like to think I am a braver, bolder, more independent person after spending a semester abroad in Copenhagen. And while any semester abroad is an eye-opening way to experience the world, a semester at DIS connects you to the very special culture of the Danes. If you don’t know anything about Danish culture yet, you are missing out! I lived with a Danish family during my time as a student and continue to keep in touch with them to this day. I also continue to keep in touch with students from my DIS semester. I can wholeheartedly say that we all consider our time here as one of the most worthwhile adventures we have ever experienced! Because of my outstanding experience at DIS, I quickly felt at home in Denmark and still consider it a second home.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a great housing situation living with a Danish family outside of the city. I took a short bus and a 30 minute train into town, but the train ride was a nice time to catch up on reading for class or do some studying.

* Food:

I am a big fan of Danish food!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Great! I went to the doctor a couple times through the National Health Care system and it was a very easy system to navigate.

* Safety:

Copenhagen has always felt like a very safe city! This was important to me when I was considering places to study abroad.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent the most money on lunch or snacks, but rarely spent money for breakfast or dinner (which were all covered during meals with my host family)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Yes! Be resourceful and look for the good bargains & student discounts around town! Also, it's always a good idea if you're cooking dinner to make a little bit extra for lunch the next day.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

I chose to take a Danish language class and had a fair amount of opportunity to practice with my danish host family as well as through my field work for class, working in a kindergarten. Here, you must make an effort to learn and practice because so many people speak english-- so it's what you make of it! The more you practice your danish, the more people will respond in danish and the better you will get!

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Make friends with the Danes! Also, it's nice to get some CD's if you can get your hands on some ahead of time. It helps your ear to start recognizing the way the language sounds and can be nice for basics like ordering food, saying hello, etc.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • learning about Danish culture and getting to know a new city
  • making lasting international friends that I continue to keep in touch with
  • the thrilling challenge of navigating life abroad!
* What could be improved?
  • Commuting from outside of the city made it harder for me to connect to evening events in Copenhagen, but also allowed me to form a very strong connection with my host family. Any experience you choose will have its pros and cons, and I wouldn't trade my experience for anything!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? At the time that I signed up for a semester abroad, it was a stretch outside of my comfort zone. Through that experience I learned that I was much more of an adventurous person than I had originally thought. Because od that, sometimes I wish I would have done an entire year abroad. Doing a semester was a great introduction to the idea that I could seize the opportunity to work or study internationally and really expanded my view of the world!